Combination implant system with removable earplug sensor and implanted battery

ABSTRACT

Cochlear implant systems can comprise an implantable subsystem comprising a cochlear electrode, a stimulator, a battery, and a first near field communication interface positioned subcutaneously proximate an ear canal. Cochlear implant systems can further comprise a removable earplug comprising a sensor, a second near field communication interface, and a signal processor. The removable earplug can be inserted into an ear canal to align the first and second near field communication interfaces. Once aligned, the battery can provide electrical power to the removable earplug via the near field communication interfaces. The signal processor can receive input signals from the sensor of the removable earplug and generate a stimulation signal representative of the auditory signals. The signal processor can communicate the stimulation signal to the stimulator via the near field communication interfaces.

RELATED MATTERS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/182,469, filed Feb. 23, 2021, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

A cochlear implant is an electronic device that may be at leastpartially implanted surgically into the cochlea, the hearing organ ofthe inner ear, to provide improved hearing to a patient. Cochlearimplants may include components that are worn externally by the patientand components that are implanted internally in the patient.

Some cochlear implant systems include an external component thatcontains one or more system components and a battery to power suchcomponents. Such systems can generate signals outside of the body andcommunicate the signals to an implanted system component. In some cases,such an external component may be size-limited, for example, in order tofit in an ear canal of a wearer.

SUMMARY

Some aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed towardcochlear implant systems. In some embodiments, a cochlear implant systemcomprises an implantable subsystem and a removable earplug which isconfigured to be inserted into an ear canal. The implantable subsystemcan comprise a cochlear electrode, a stimulator in electricalcommunication with the cochlear electrode, and a battery in electricalcommunication with the stimulator. Further, the implantable subsystemcan comprise a first near field communication interface in electricalcommunication with the battery and the stimulator. The first near fieldcommunication interface can be configured to be implantedsubcutaneously, proximate an ear canal. The removable earplug of thecochlear implant system can comprise a sensor configured to senseauditory signals and generate an input signal representative of thesensed auditory signals. The removable earplug can further comprise asecond near field communication interface and a signal processor inelectrical communication with the sensor and the second near fieldcommunication interface.

The signal processor of the removable earplug can be configured toreceive the input signal from the sensor and generate a stimulationsignal based on the received input signal. When the removable earplug isinserted into the ear canal, the first near field communicationinterface and the second near field communication interface can bepositioned proximate each other and establish a communication linktherebetween. The battery can be configured to provide electrical powerto the removable earplug via the communication link. Additionally, thesignal processor can be configured to communicate the stimulation signalfrom the removable earplug to the stimulator via the communication link.

In some cases, powering components of the removable earplug via thecommunication link can allow for a battery having a larger capacitycompared to a battery that can fit inside a removable earplug.

Some aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed toward aremovable earplug configured to be inserted into an ear canal. Theremovable earplug can comprise a sensor configured to receive auditorysignals and generate an input signal representative of the receivedauditory signals. The removable earplug can further comprise a signalprocessor in electrical communication with the sensor and configured toreceive signals from the sensor and output a stimulation signal.Additionally, the removable earplug can comprise a near fieldcommunication interface in electrical communication with the sensor andthe signal processor. The removable earplug may not include a powersource and can be configured to receive electrical power via the nearfield communication interface. The removable earplug can further beconfigured to output the stimulation signal from the signal processorvia the near field communication interface. In some embodiments, theremovable earplug does not include a battery and is powered by receivingelectrical power via the near field communication interface.

Some aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed toward amethod of operation of a cochlear implant system. The method can includeimplanting a cochlear electrode, a stimulator, and a battery into aperson and further implanting a first near field communication interfaceproximate an ear canal of the person. The stimulator can be inelectrical communication with the cochlear electrode and the first nearfield communication interface. The battery can be in electricalcommunication with the first near field communication interface. Themethod can further include inserting a removable earplug into the earcanal. The removable earplug can include a sensor, a signal processor,and a second near field communication interface with the signalprocessor in electrical communication with the sensor and the secondnear field communication interface. Inserting the removable earplug intothe ear canal can be performed such that the second near fieldcommunication interface is aligned with the first near fieldcommunication interface. The aligned communication interfaces canprovide electrical power to the removable earplug from the battery viathe first near field communication interface and the second near fieldcommunication interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of an example removable earplug accordingto an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic of one embodiment of a cochlear implantsystem with a removable earplug according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic of another embodiment of a cochlearimplant system with a removable earplug according to an aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary cochlear implantsystem including a removable earplug according to an aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a block diagram of another exemplary cochlearimplant system including a removable earplug according to an aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method of operating a cochlearimplant system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of another example method of operating acochlear implant system according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of this disclosure describe implantable cochlear implant systemsincluding a removable earplug sensor. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic ofan example removable earplug according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure. The removable earplug 110 of FIG. 1 includes a sensor 112configured to sense auditory signals and generate input signalsrepresentative of the sensed auditory signals. The sensor 112 of theremovable earplug 110 can be any type of sensor which can sense auditorysignals. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor 112 is amicrophone which can sense auditory signals and can generate an inputsignal representative of the sensed auditory signals.

The removable earplug 110 of FIG. 1 further includes a signal processor114 which is in electrical communication with the sensor 112 and isconfigured to receive input signals from the sensor 112 and generate astimulation signal based on the received input signal. The signalprocessor 114 can be any type of processor and in some embodiments, thesignal processor 114 can comprise a digital signal processor, one ormore microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs) or other types of processors. Supporting circuitry forone or more such components can also be included as a part of the signalprocessor 114. In some embodiments, the signal processor 114 can includeor otherwise communicate with a memory containing programming foroperating one or more components.

In some embodiments, the output of the signal processor can be based ona lookup table or other programmed (e.g., in memory) correspondencebetween the received signal from the sensor and the stimulation signaloutput from the signal processor 114. While not necessarily basedexplicitly on a function, the relationship between the input to thesignal processor (e.g., from the internal sensor such as a microphone)and the output of the signal processor (e.g., via near fieldcommunication interface) is referred to as the transfer function of thesignal processor.

The removable earplug 110 also includes a near field communicationinterface 116 in electrical communication with the signal processor 114.In some embodiments, the near field communication interface 116comprises one or more coils of wire. For example, the near fieldcommunication interface 116 can be a coil of copper wire. In someexamples, such a coil is included within a biocompatible housing. Inother examples, a coil can be made from a biocompatible material. Inoperation, the near field communication interface 116 can communicateelectrical signals (e.g., stimulation signals) and/or electrical powerto and/or from the removable earplug 110 to another device, such as adevice including a corresponding near field communication interface. Insome such embodiments, near field communication interface 116 isconfigured to communicate with a corresponding near field communicationinterface if the near field communication interfaces are positionedclosely enough together and aligned properly to facilitate near fieldcommunication (e.g., inductive communication between correspondingcoils).

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic of one embodiment of a cochlear implantsystem with a removable earplug according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure. The system of FIG. 2A includes a removable earplug 210configured to communicate with system components via a near fieldcommunication interface 220. In some embodiments, the near fieldcommunication interface 220 is implanted subcutaneously proximate awearer's ear canal. In some such embodiments, the removable earplug 210is configured to be inserted into an ear canal such that a correspondingnear field communication interface of the ear plug, such as 116 in FIG.1 , can communicate with implanted near field communication interface220. For clarity, the implanted near field communication interface 220is referred to as a first near field communication interface and acorresponding near field communication interface in the removableearplug 210 is referred to as a second near field communicationinterface.

In some examples, the removable earplug 210 is configured to be insertedinto an ear canal of a patient when in use. As described with respect toFIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the removable earplug 210 can beconfigured to detect incoming auditory signals (e.g. sound waves) with asensor, process the auditory signals via a signal processor (e.g.,signal processor 114), and generate output signals (e.g., stimulationsignals) representative of the detected auditory signals. The removableearplug 210 can further provide the generated output signal to theimplanted system via first and second near field communicationinterfaces.

The system of FIG. 2A further includes a cochlear electrode 240implanted into the cochlear tissues of a patient. The cochlear electrode240 is in electrical communication with the stimulator 230, which can beconfigured to provide electrical stimulus signals to the cochlearelectrode 240 in response to input signals (e.g. stimulation signals)received by the stimulator 230. In some examples, the cochlear electrode240 is fixedly attached to the stimulator 230. In other examples, thecochlear electrode 240 is removably attached to the stimulator 230. Asshown, the stimulator 230 is in communication with the near fieldcommunication interface 220. In some embodiments, the stimulator 230provides electrical signals to the cochlear electrode 240 based onstimulation signals from the removable earplug 210 through the nearfield communication interface 220.

In various embodiments, the cochlear electrode 240 can include anynumber of contact electrodes in electrical contact with different partsof a patient's cochlear tissue, for example, as described in PCT patentapplication No. PCT/US20/19166, which is incorporated by reference. Insuch embodiments, the stimulator 230 can be configured to provideelectrical signals to any number of such contact electrodes to stimulatethe cochlear tissue. For example, in some embodiments, the stimulator230 is configured to activate different contact electrodes orcombinations of contact electrodes of the cochlear electrode 240 inresponse to different stimulation signals received from the removableearplug 210. This can help the patient differentiate between differentinput signals. In some embodiments, more than one cochlear electrode isincluded in the cochlear implant system.

The system of FIG. 2A also includes an implantable battery 250 inelectrical communication with the near field communication interface 220and the stimulator 230. The battery can be any type of battery and insome examples, the battery 250 can be a rechargeable battery. Forexample, in some embodiments, the battery 250 is an implantable,rechargeable, lithium-ion battery. Further, the battery 250 can have anycapacity, but, in some embodiments, the battery 250 has a capacity of atleast 3 Watt-hours, at least 3.5 Watt-hours, or at least 4 Watt-hours.In some embodiments, the battery 250 has a capacity of approximately 3.7Watt-hours. In some embodiments, battery 250 has a capacity ofapproximately 100 milliamp hours. For instance, in some such examples,battery 250 comprises a 3.7 volt lithium-ion battery having a capacityof 100 milliamp hours. While example systems described herein aredescribed using a battery, it will be appreciated that otherrechargeable energy storage device known to those skilled in the art canbe used. Example rechargeable energy storage devices include batteriesand capacitors, such supercapacitors.

The battery 250 can be a rechargeable battery or other energy storagetechnology and can provide power to the various components of thecochlear implant system. For example, as described, the battery 250 canprovide power to the near field communication interface 220 and thestimulator 230. In some examples, battery 250 provides electrical powerto the stimulator such that the stimulator can provide electricalstimuli via the cochlear electrode 240.

In some examples, the battery 250 can be implanted in the pectoralregion of the patient in order to provide adequate room for largerequipment (e.g. a relatively large battery) for prolonged operation(e.g. longer battery life). Additionally, in the event a battery needseventual replacement, a replacement procedure in the patient's pectoralregion can be performed several times without certain vascularizationissues that can arise near the location of the cochlear implant. Forexample, in some cases, repeated procedures (e.g., battery replacement)near the cochlear implant can result in a decreased ability for the skinin the region to heal after a procedure. Placing a replaceable componentsuch as a battery in the pectoral region can facilitate replacementprocedures with reduced risk for such issues.

In some embodiments, the battery 250 is configured to be implanted inthe head of a person as in FIG. 2A. Such placement of the battery 250can facilitate easier incorporation of the battery 250 into the overallsystem because it is implanted closer to the other components of thecochlear implant system. Further, such a placement decreases the lengthof connections between the battery and the components of the cochlearimplant system to which it provides power. Shorter connections betweenthe battery and the components it powers can decrease the power lost intransmission from the battery to the components.

The battery 250 can also be in electrical communication with a chargingcoil 270 which can be implanted in the patient. The charging coil 270can enable the battery to be recharged and can be made of one or morecoils of wire of conductive material such as copper. In some examples,such a coil is included within a biocompatible housing. In otherexamples, such a coil is made from a biocompatible material. In someexamples, the charging coil 270 can communicate electrically with anexternal device (shown here as external device 280) which is external tothe patient. The external device 280 can be an external charging devicewhich is configured to transmit power. The external device 280 can alsoinclude one or more coils of wire made of conductive material andcapable of communicating with and providing power to the charging coil270 of the system through the skin of the wearer. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, the charging coil 270 is in wireless communication with theexternal device 280. The charging coil 270 can be in wirelesscommunication with the external device 280, such as via an inductivecommunication, whereby electrical energy can be transferred from the oneor more coils of the external device 280 to the charging coil 270.

For example, in operation, the charging coil 270 can be configured toreceive electrical energy from the external device 280 wirelessly viainduction. The charging coil 270 can transmit electrical energy receivedfrom the external device 280 through one or more leads into the battery250 in the form of electrical charge. Thus, the external device 280 canbe configured to wirelessly provide electrical power to the chargingcoil 270 to recharge the battery 250.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the charging coil 270 is implanted in apectoral region of the human being, however, the charging coil 270 coilcan be implanted anywhere within the patient. Implanting the chargingcoil 270 into a region such as the pectoral region of a patient can beadvantageous as such placement can facilitate placement of the externaldevice 280 in a position where the external device 280 can more easilytransmit power wirelessly into the charging coil 270. However, in someexamples, charging coil 270 can be implanted in the head or other bodypart of the wearer.

Continuing with the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the battery 250 can providepower to the near field communication interface 220. The near fieldcommunication interface 220 can further transmit the power received fromthe battery 250 into the removable earplug 210, for example, when nearfield communication interface 220 and a corresponding near fieldcommunication interface (e.g., 116) of the removable earplug 210 arealigned. In some embodiments, the near field communication interface 220transmits the power received from the battery 250 wirelessly into theremovable earplug 210. In some embodiments, the near field communicationinterface 220 is made of one or more coils of wire such as copper. Insome examples, such a coil is included within a biocompatible housing.In other examples, such a coil is made from a biocompatible material. Insome embodiments, the near field communication interface 220 cantransmit power wirelessly via induction. For example, in someembodiments, the near field communication interface of the removableearplug 210 is made of one or more coils of wire (e.g. copper)configured to interface with the one or more coils of wire of the nearfield communication interface 220 via induction. In such embodiments,power can be transmitted from the battery 250 into the removable earplug210 through the coils of the near field communication interface and theremovable earplug 210.

In some embodiments, the near field communication interface 220 is afirst near field communication interface while the near fieldcommunication interface of the removable earplug 210 (e.g., near fieldcommunication interface 116 in FIG. 1 ) is a second near fieldcommunication interface.

In FIG. 2A, the near field communication interface 220 is implantedsubcutaneously in the patient. In some embodiments, the near fieldcommunication interface 220 can be configured to be implantedsubcutaneously proximate an ear canal. Implanting the near fieldcommunication interface 220 proximate the ear canal of the patient,allows convenient wireless transmission of power from the battery 250into the removable earplug 210 when the removable earplug is insertedinto the ear canal. For example, when the removable earplug 210 isinserted into the ear canal of the patient, the first near fieldcommunication interface (e.g. 220) and the second near fieldcommunication interface (e.g. of the removable earplug) can bepositioned proximate each other. Such a proximate position allows forefficient transmission of power from the first near field communicationinterface to the second near field communication interface.

As the battery 250 can provide power to the removable earplug 210. Itcan be advantageous to include an implanted power source separately fromthe removable earplug. For example, a power source within a removableearplug requires space within the removable earplug, and will besize-limited if the removable earplug is to fit within an ear canal. Aremovable earplug with a small integrated power source, for example, tofacilitate insertion into an ear canal, may require frequent rechargingand/or replacement because of limited energy capacity in the powersource contained within the earplug.

Since the battery 250 is external to the removable earplug, the battery250 can be larger than a battery configured to fit within the removableearplug while allowing the removable earplug to fit within an ear canalof a wearer. Thus, in some cases, an implanted battery (e.g., 250) canpower components within the removable earplug (e.g., via near fieldcommunication interface 222) for a longer period of time than a smallbattery within the earplug itself. In such cases, a user does not needto recharge or replace earplugs due to limited battery capacity of theearplug itself. An implanted battery 250 powering components of theremovable earplug can increase the duration of operation of the systembefore a recharge is required compared to systems in which components ofthe earplug are powered by a battery within the earplug itself. In someembodiments, the removable earplug 210 does not include an internalpower source and components thereof are powered via the implantedbattery 250 and near field communication interface 222.

In some embodiments, the battery 250 does not output electrical energyuntil the first near field communication interface and the second nearfield communication interface are in wireless communication with eachother. For example, in some embodiments, the battery 250 does not outputelectrical energy when the removable earplug 210 is not inserted intothe ear canal of a patient. However, once the removable earplug 210,including the second near field communication interface, is insertedinto the ear canal of the patient and the first near field communicationinterface 220 is in wireless communication with the second near fieldcommunication interface, the battery 250 can provide power to theremovable earplug 210. Such configurations can be advantageous becausethe battery 250 does not unnecessarily use power when the removableearplug 210 is not inserted. This can prolong the time before thebattery 250 needs to be recharged.

In some examples, battery 250 provides electrical power to thestimulator 230 even when the removable earplug is not inserted into theear canal. However, in some such examples, if the removable earplug 210is not inserted into the ear canal, the stimulator does not receive anystimulation signals from the removable earplug 210 and therefore doesnot draw much power from the battery 250.

In some embodiments, during operation, the removable earplug 210includes a sensor (e.g., 112), a signal processor (e.g., 114) and asecond near field communication interface (e.g., 116). The removableearplug 210 is configured to receive power from battery 250 and firstnear field communication interface 220 via second near fieldcommunication interface (e.g., 116), which can be used to provideelectrical power to the sensor and signal processor.

The sensor can be configured to receive acoustic stimuli and provideinput signals to a signal processor, which and generate stimulationsignals based on the received input signals. The signal processor canoutput stimulation signals to the second near field communicationinterface, which can communicate the stimulation signals to stimulator230 via first near field communication interface 220.

Thus, in some embodiments, an implanted first near field communicationinterface 220 and a second near field communication interface (e.g.,116) included in the removable earplug can be used to provide electricalpower from an implanted battery 250 to components within the removableearplug 210. Such communication can also provide data (e.g., stimulationsignals) from the removable earplug 210 to an implanted stimulator.

In some embodiments, the cochlear implant system includes an implantedsignal processor 260. In various examples, the signal processor 260 cancomprise any variety of components, for example, digital and/or analogprocessing components. In some embodiments, signal processor 260comprises a digital signal processor, one or more microprocessors,microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) orthe like. Supporting circuitry for one or more such components can alsobe included as a part of the signal processor 260. In some embodiments,the signal processor 260 can include or otherwise communicate with amemory containing programming for operating one or more components.Implanted signal processor 260 can receive electrical power from battery250.

In some such embodiments, the signal processor 260 can replace theprocessing performed by the signal processor of the removable earplug.For example, the signal processor 260 can receive an input signalrepresentative of auditory signals from the removable earplug 210 (e.g.,via first and second near field communication interfaces) and generatestimulation signal based on the received input signal representative ofthe auditory signals. However, in some embodiments, the signal processor260 is an additional processor which can receive signals from theremovable earplug 210 and perform additional processing on the receivedsignals.

For example, the signal processor 260 can be programmed withinstructions to receive a stimulation signal from removable earplug 210and output a modified stimulation signal. In some embodiments, theoutput of the signal processor 260 can be calculated using an equationbased on received signals. Alternatively, in some embodiments, theoutput of the signal processor 260 can be based on a lookup table orother programmed (e.g., in memory) correspondence between the receivedsignal from the removable earplug 210 and the output signal. While notnecessarily based explicitly on a function, the relationship between theinput to the signal processor 260 (e.g., from the removable earplug 210)and the output of the signal processor 260 is referred to as thetransfer function of the signal processor 260. In some embodiments, thesignal processor of the removable earplug 210 comprises a first signalprocessor and the implanted signal processor 260 comprises a secondsignal processor. In some embodiments, the first and second signalprocessors operate together according to an overall transfer functionthat describes the relationship between an input signal received by thefirst signal processor and the modified stimulation signal output fromthe second signal processor.

During one exemplary operation of the cochlear implant system whichincludes the implanted signal processor 260, the removable earplug 210detects audio signals. The signal processor 260 can receive inputsignals from the removable earplug 210 via first and second near fieldcommunication interfaces and generate stimulation signals based on thereceived input signals based on the transfer function of the signalprocessor 260. The signal processor 260 can output stimulation signalsto the stimulator 230, which can then provide electrical stimuli via oneor more contact electrodes of the cochlear electrode 240 based on thereceived stimulation signals from the signal processor 260.

During another example embodiment, a signal processor of the removableearplug is configured to generate stimulation signals as describedelsewhere herein and communicate such stimulation signals to theimplanted system via near field communication interfaces. The implantedsignal processor 260 can be configured to receive the stimulationsignals and output modified stimulation signals to the stimulator 230.In some embodiments, a signal processor within a removable earplug isprogrammed with a standard transfer function independent of the userwhile the implanted signal processor 260 can be customized to fit thewearer (e.g., based on the needs of the wearer).

While implanted components are generally shown as being discretelyimplanted components, in some embodiments, one or more such componentscan be housed within a single housing. FIG. 2B illustrates a schematicof another embodiment of a cochlear implant system with a removableearplug 210 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Thecochlear implant system includes a removable earplug 210 (e.g.,removable earplug 110 in FIG. 1 ) in communication with a near fieldcommunication interface 222 (e.g., via a corresponding near fieldcommunication interface in removable earplug 210). The system alsoincludes a stimulator 232, a cochlear electrode 242, a battery 252, acharging coil 272, and a housing 290. In some embodiments, housing 290further includes an implanted signal processor 262.

During example operation, the removable earplug 210 can receive audiosignals, process the audio signals, and can generate and sendstimulation signals to the stimulator 232 through the near fieldcommunication interface 222. The stimulator 232 can output electricalstimuli corresponding to the received stimulation signals from theremovable earplug 210 to the cochlear electrode 242 in order tostimulate a patient's cochlear tissue. In some embodiments, the optionalimplanted signal processor 262 processes signals from the removableearplug 210 and generates and sends stimulation signals or modifiedstimulation signals to the stimulator 232 such as described with respectto FIG. 2A.

In comparison to the embodiment of FIG. 2A, however, the system of FIG.2B includes a housing 290 which houses many components of the cochlearimplant system. In some embodiments, the housing 290 includes thestimulator 232, the battery 252, the charging coil 272, and optionally,the implanted signal processor 262. However, in various examples thehousing 290 does not need to include all the listed elements. Forexample, in some embodiments, the battery 252 and the charging coil 272are housed in the housing 290. In some examples, the stimulator 232 ishoused in the housing 290 along with the battery 252 and the chargingcoil 272. Including such elements into a housing can facilitateimplantation of the system in a wearer.

Further, while shown as being outside of the housing 290 in FIG. 2B, insome embodiments, the near field communication interface 222 is includedwithin housing 290. In other embodiments, the near field communicationinterface 222 is not included in the housing 290 as shown in FIG. 2B. Insome such embodiments, it can be easier to implant the near fieldcommunication interface 222 proximate the ear canal of a wearer tofacilitate communicate with removable earplug 210 when the near fieldcommunication interface is outside of housing 290. Additionally,implanting the near field communication interface 222 outside thehousing 290 can allow the housing 290 to be positioned in a locationfurther away from a patient's ear canal which can decrease possible scartissue development in the area. In general, near field communicationinterface 222 can be included within the housing 290 or outside of thehousing 290. In embodiments in which the near field communicationinterface 222 is outside of the housing 290, the near fieldcommunication interface 222 can comprise a coil contained within aseparate biocompatible housing or a biocompatible coil not containedwithin a housing such as described elsewhere herein.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, charging coil 272 canbe positioned outside of the housing. In some examples, the chargingcoil 272 can be positioned in a location to allow ease of externalcharger placement, such as in a pectoral region (as shown in the exampleof FIG. 2A). Charging coil can be included in a separate biocompatiblehousing or made from a biocompatible material.

The housing 290 can take any shape and size and can further be made ofany material. In some embodiments, the housing 290 is a hermeticallysealed housing comprising biocompatible materials. The housing 290 caninclude feedthroughs providing communication from external components tothe internal components enclosed in the housing 290. Feedthroughs canprovide electrical communication between the internal and externalcomponents of the housing 290 via leads extending from the housing 290and/or connectors integrated into the components outside the housing.

In the illustrated examples of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the connectionsbetween various implanted elements can include a plurality of isolatedconductors providing a plurality of communication channels betweenvarious components of the system. The connections can include a coatingsuch as an electrically insulating sheath to minimize any conduction ofelectrical signals to the body of the patient. In various embodiments,one or more communication leads can be detachable such thatcommunication between two components can be disconnected in order toelectrically and/or mechanically separate such components. For instance,in some embodiments, a lead can include a detachable connector. Adetachable connector can facilitate decoupling of the various componentsof the implant portion of the cochlear implant system. Exampledetachable connectors are described in PCT patent application No.PCT/US20/19166, which is incorporated by reference.

FIG. 3A illustrates a block diagram of an example cochlear implantsystem including a removable earplug. The cochlear implant system ofFIG. 3A includes a removable earplug 310, an implantable subsystem 392,and an external charging device 380. In the illustrated example, theremovable earplug 310 is in wireless communication with the implantablesubsystem 392 via the near field communication (NFC) interfaces 316,320. In some embodiments, the near field communication interface 320 ofthe implantable subsystem is a first near field communication interfaceand the near field communication interface 316 of the removable earplug310 is a second near field communication interface. The implantablesubsystem 392 can also be in wireless communication with the externalcharging device via a charging coil 370.

The removable earplug 310 of FIG. 3A comprises a sensor 312 incommunication with a signal processor 314 which is in furthercommunication with the near field communication interface 316. Theimplantable subsystem 392 of FIG. 3A comprises a near fieldcommunication interface 320 in electrical communication with astimulator which is in further communication with a cochlear electrode340. The implantable subsystem 392 also comprises a battery 350 which isin electrical communication with the near field communication interface320, the stimulator 330, and the charging coil 370.

In an example operation of the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the sensor 312senses auditory signals and generates an input signal representative ofthe sensed auditory signals. The signal processor 314 can receive theinput signal from the sensor 312 and generate a stimulation signal basedon the received input signal. Further, when the removable earplug 310 isinserted into a patient's ear canal, the first near field communicationinterface 320 and the second near field communication interface 316 arepositioned proximate each other. The proximate position can establish acommunication link between the first near field communication interface320 and the second near field communication interface 316. The signalprocessor 314 can communicate the generated stimulation signal to thestimulator 330 in the implantable subsystem 392 via the communicationlink as shown by 319.

Additionally, in the illustrated example, the battery 350 of theimplantable subsystem 392 provides electrical power to the removableearplug 310 via the communication link as shown by 318. In someembodiments, power received at the removable earplug 310 via thecommunication link powers the sensor 312 and/or the signal processor 314during operation. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of the steps ofsensing an auditory signal, generating an input signal representativethereof, and generating a stimulation signal based on the input signalare only performed once the removable earplug 310 is inserted into anear canal proximate the near field communication interface 320 of theimplantable subsystem 392 such that the sensor 312 and/or signalprocessor 314 are powered via battery 350 and the establishedcommunication link.

As shown, the charging coil 370, which is in electrical communicationwith the battery 350, can wirelessly receive electrical energy from theexternal charging device 380, as shown by 375, and can provideelectrical charge to the battery 350 to recharge the battery 350.

In some embodiments, when the removable earplug 310 is inserted into apatient's ear canal such that the near field communication interface 316and the implanted near field communication interface 320 are aligned,the battery provides power to the removable earplug through the alignedcommunication interfaces. Additionally or alternatively, when theremovable earplug 310 is inserted into a patient's ear canal such thatthe near field communication interface 316 and the implanted near fieldcommunication interface 320 are aligned, the signal processor 314 of theremovable earplug 310 outputs a stimulation signal to the stimulatorthrough the aligned near field communication interfaces.

Moving to FIG. 3B, FIG. 3B illustrates a block diagram of anotherexemplary cochlear implant system including a removable earplug 310according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In contrast to theembodiment of FIG. 3A, the implantable subsystem 392 of FIG. 3B includesan implanted signal processor 360. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, theimplanted signal processor 360 is in electrical communication with thenear field communication interface 320 and the stimulator 330. Further,the implanted signal processor 360 can receive power through itselectrical communication with the battery 350.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the signal processor of the removableearplug 310 comprises a signal processor 314 and the implantablesubsystem comprises an implanted signal processor 360. The implantedsignal processor 360 is in electrical communication with the first nearfield communication interface 320 and can be programmed with a transferfunction. Further, the implanted signal processor 360 can be configuredto receive the stimulation signal from the signal processor 314 when thefirst near field communication interface 320 and the second near fieldcommunication interface are in wireless communication with each other.Additionally, in some embodiments, the implanted signal processor 360can be configured to output a modified stimulation signal to thestimulator 330 based on the received stimulation signal and the transferfunction.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method of operating a cochlearimplant system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.Starting at 400, the method includes implanting a cochlear electrode, astimulator, and a battery into a person. Further, the method includesimplanting a first near field communication interface proximate an earcanal of the person. When implanted, the stimulator is in electricalcommunication with the cochlear electrode and the first near fieldcommunication interface. Additionally, when implanted, the battery is inelectrical communication with the first near field communicationinterface and stimulator. The method continues in step 410 withproviding a removable earplug comprising a sensor, a signal processor,and a second near field communication interface. The signal processorcan be in electrical communication with the senor and the second nearfield communication interface. In some embodiments, the sensor can beconfigured to detect auditory signals and generate an input signal whichis received by the signal processor. In some such embodiments, thesignal processor can be configured to receive the input signal from thesensor and transform the input signal into a stimulation signal byapplying a transfer function to the input signal. Further, in step 420,the method includes inserting the removable earplug into the person'sear canal. The method also includes in step 430 aligning the second nearfield communication interface with the first near field communicationinterface. In some embodiments, aligning the second near fieldcommunication interface with the first near field communicationinterface is performed as part of the insertion of the removable earpluginto a person's ear canal. When the second near field communicationinterface is aligned with the first near field communication interface,the battery can provide electrical power to the removable earplug viathe first near field communication interface and the second near fieldcommunication interface. Similarly, when the second near fieldcommunication interface is aligned with the first near fieldcommunication interface, the stimulator can receive stimulation signalsfrom the signal processor of the ear plug via the first and second nearfield communication interfaces.

In some embodiments, a wearer is alerted when the first and second nearfield communication interfaces are aligned. For example, in someembodiments, an implanted stimulator does not receive any stimulationsignals and does not provide any electrical stimuli to a wearer's tissuewhen the near field communication interfaces are not aligned andcommunication is not enabled. However, in some such embodiments, oncethe first and second near field communication interfaces are aligned,the removable earplug receives power via the near field communicationinterfaces and provides a stimulation signal to the implantedstimulator. The stimulator can, in response thereto, apply electricalstimuli via the cochlear electrode. Accordingly, in some embodiments,the wearer can “hear” when the first and second near field communicationinterfaces are aligned based on the detected onset of stimulation viathe stimulator.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of another example method of operating acochlear implant system according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. At 500, the method includes inserting a removable earpluginto a person's ear canal to align a first and second near fieldcommunication interface. At 510, the method includes providingelectrical power from an implanted battery to the removable earplug viathe near field communication interfaces. At 520, the method includesreceiving auditory signals via a sensor of the removable earplug andgenerating an input signal representative of the auditory signals. Themethod can then continue with step 530 or 550 depending on if anoptional implanted signal processor is included in the cochlear implantsystem.

In the cases in which no implanted signal processor is present, themethod continues with step 530. At 530, the method includes providingthe input signal to the signal processor of the removable earplug andgenerating a stimulation signal based on the received input signal.Next, at step 540, the method includes outputting the stimulation signalfrom the signal processor to the stimulator via the near fieldcommunication interfaces. At step 570, the method includes providingstimulation via an implanted cochlear electrode based on the stimulationsignal. While described with respect to embodiments in which toimplanted signal processor is present, it will be appreciated that suchsteps may be performed in embodiments in which an implanted signalprocessor is present, for example, in embodiments in which an implantedsignal processor is not involved in generating stimulation signals basedon input signals from the removable ear plug.

In some embodiments in which an implanted signal processor is present,the method can move to step 550 from step 520. At step 550, the methodincludes providing the input signal to the implanted signal processorvia the near field communication interfaces. Next, at step 560, themethod includes generating a stimulation signal via the signal processorbased on the received input signal and outputting the stimulation signalto a stimulator. Again, at step 570, the method includes providingstimulation via the implanted cochlear electrode based on thestimulation signal. As the implanted signal processor can be incommunication with the stimulator, the stimulation signal does not needto be communicated via near field communication interfaces.

While not shown in FIG. 5 , as described elsewhere herein, in someexamples, a signal processor in a removable earplug can be used incombination with an implantable signal processor. For example, an inputsignal can be sent to a signal processor within the removable earplug,which can generate a stimulation signal as in step 530. The stimulationsignal can be output via near field communication interfaces to animplanted signal processor, which can receive the stimulation signal andgenerate a modified stimulation signal as described herein. The modifiedstimulation signal can be provided to a stimulator, which can providestimulation via a cochlear electrode based on the received modifiedstimulation signal.

While often described herein as using an electrical stimulator tostimulate the patient's cochlear tissue via a cochlear electrode, insome examples, the system can additionally or alternatively include anacoustic stimulator. An acoustic stimulator can include, for example, atransducer (e.g., a piezoelectric transducer) configured to providemechanical stimulation to the patient's ear structure. In an exemplaryembodiment, the acoustic stimulator can be configured to stimulate oneor more portions of the patient's ossicular chain via amplifiedvibrations. Acoustic stimulators can include any appropriate acousticstimulators, such as those found in the ESTEEM™ implant (Envoy MedicalCorp., St. Paul, Minn.) or as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,729,366,4,850,962, and 7,524,278, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20100042183,each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Various non-limiting embodiments have been described. These and othersare within the scope of the following claims.

1. A cochlear implant system comprising: an implantable subsystemcomprising: a cochlear electrode; a stimulator in electricalcommunication with the cochlear electrode; a rechargeable energy storagedevice in electrical communication with the stimulator; a first nearfield communication interface in electrical communication with therechargeable energy storage device and configured to be implantedsubcutaneously proximate an ear canal; and a removable earplugconfigured to be inserted into the ear canal and comprising: a sensorconfigured to sense auditory signals and generate an input signalrepresentative of the sensed auditory signals; a second near fieldcommunication interface; and a signal processor in electricalcommunication with the sensor and the second near field communicationinterface, the signal processor configured to receive the input signalfrom the sensor and generate a stimulation signal based on the receivedinput signal; wherein when the removable earplug is inserted into theear canal, the first near field communication interface and the secondnear field communication interface are positioned proximate each other:a communication link is established between the first near fieldcommunication interface and the second near field communicationinterface; the rechargeable energy storage device provides electricalpower to the removable earplug via the communication link; and thesignal processor is configured to communicate the stimulation signal tothe implantable subsystem via the communication link.
 2. The cochlearimplant system of claim 1, wherein the stimulator of the implantablesubsystem is in electrical communication with the first near fieldcommunication interface such that the stimulator is configured toreceive the stimulation signal received via the communication link. 3.The cochlear implant system of claim 1, wherein the first near fieldcommunication interface and the second near field communicationinterface are coils of wire.
 4. The cochlear implant system of claim 1,further comprising an implanted charging coil in electricalcommunication with the rechargeable energy storage device and configuredto receive electrical energy from an external device and provideelectrical charge to the rechargeable energy storage device.
 5. Thecochlear implant system of claim 4, further comprising an externaldevice configured to wirelessly provide electrical power to theimplanted charging coil to charge the rechargeable energy storagedevice.
 6. The cochlear implant system of claim 4, wherein therechargeable energy storage device and the implanted charging coil arehoused in a single housing.
 7. The cochlear implant system of claim 6,wherein the stimulator is housed within the single housing and thecochlear electrode extends from the single housing.
 8. The cochlearimplant system of claim 7, wherein the first near field communicationinterface is housed within the single housing.
 9. The cochlear implantsystem of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a microphone.
 10. Thecochlear implant system of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable energystorage device does not output electrical energy until the first nearfield communication interface and the second near field communicationinterface are in wireless communication with each other.
 11. Thecochlear implant system of claim 1, wherein the signal processor of theremovable earplug comprises a first signal processor, and wherein theimplantable subsystem comprises an implanted signal processor inelectrical communication with the first near field communicationinterface, the implanted signal processor being programmed with atransfer function and being configured to: receive the stimulationsignal from the first signal processor when the first near fieldcommunication interface and the second near field communicationinterface are in wireless communication with each other; and output amodified stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the receivedstimulation signal and the transfer function.
 12. The cochlear implantsystem of claim 1, wherein the removable earplug does not contain apower source.
 13. The cochlear implant system of claim 1, wherein therechargeable energy storage device is configured to be implanted in ahead of a person.
 14. The cochlear implant system of claim 1, whereinthe rechargeable energy storage device has a capacity of at least 3.5Watt-hours.
 15. A cochlear implant system comprising: a removableearplug configured to be inserted into an ear canal comprising: a sensorconfigured to receive auditory signals and generate an input signalrepresentative of the received auditory signals; a signal processor inelectrical communication with the sensor configured to receive signalsfrom the sensor and output a stimulation signal; and a near fieldcommunication interface in electrical communication with the sensor andthe signal processor; and wherein the removable earplug does not includea power source and is configured to: receive electrical power via thenear field communication interface; and output the stimulation signalfrom the signal processor via the near field communication interface.16. The cochlear implant system of claim 15, further comprising: acochlear electrode comprising a plurality of contact electrodes; astimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode; arechargeable energy storage device in electrical communication with thestimulator; and an implanted near field communication interfaceimplanted subcutaneously, proximate the ear canal, in electricalcommunication with the rechargeable energy storage device and thestimulator; wherein when the removable earplug is inserted into the earcanal such that the near field communication interface and the implantednear field communication interface are aligned, the rechargeable energystorage device provides power to the removable earplug through thealigned near field communication interfaces and the signal processor ofthe removable earplug outputs the stimulation signal to the stimulatorthrough the aligned near field communication interfaces.
 17. Thecochlear implant system of claim 16, wherein the near fieldcommunication interface and implanted near field communication interfaceeach comprise a coil.
 18. The cochlear implant system of claim 16,further comprising a charging coil in electrical communication with therechargeable energy storage device, wherein the charging coil isconfigured to receive electrical energy from an external charging deviceand provide electrical energy to the rechargeable energy storage device.19. A method of operating a cochlear implant system comprising:implanting a cochlear electrode, a stimulator, and a rechargeable energystorage device into a person and further implanting a first near fieldcommunication interface proximate an ear canal of the person, thestimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode andthe first near field communication interface and the rechargeable energystorage device in electrical communication with the first near fieldcommunication interface; and inserting a removable earplug comprising asensor, a signal processor, and a second near field communicationinterface, the signal processor in electrical communication with thesensor and the second near field communication interface, into the earcanal such that the second near field communication interface is alignedwith the first near field communication interface provides electricalpower to the removable earplug from the rechargeable energy storagedevice via the first near field communication interface and the secondnear field communication interface.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinthe signal processor of the removable earplug is configured to receivean input signal from the sensor and transform the input signal into astimulation signal by applying a transfer function to the input signal.21-22. (canceled)